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Influential leader: Margaret Thatcher. Lifelong dream: to become Japan's Iron Lady.

Following two unsuccessful bids, the 64-year-old politician finally achieved her cherished goal.

The sixty-four-year-old was chosen as head of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on its seventieth anniversary - putting her on course to become the nation's inaugural woman premier.

Once a senior official and television presenter, and formerly a percussionist in a musical ensemble, she will now confront the task of steering the political force still struggling to regain public confidence after incidents, while addressing a rising far right.

Early Life and Background

Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, the father was an business professional and the mother a public safety officer. Politics was far removed from her childhood.

Formerly an enthusiastic rock musician, she was renowned for bringing numerous drumsticks because she would break them during vigorous performances. She was also a diving enthusiast and a automobile lover - her beloved Toyota Supra is now displayed in a local museum.

Before government service, she had a short stint as a TV presenter.

Political Inspiration

Her political inspiration originated in the 1980s, during the peak of US-Japan trade friction. Intent on comprehending Western perspectives of Japan, she served in the staff of US representative, a legislator known for her concerns about Japanese policies.

Takaichi saw Americans mixing up Japanese, Chinese and Korean language and cuisine, noting that Japan was often grouped together with other Asian countries.

"If Japan cannot protect itself, the country's future will be subject to superficial American views," she concluded.

Political Career

She ran in her initial political campaign in 1992 as an non-aligned politician but was defeated.

She continued, gaining a position a year later and becoming a member in 1996. Since then, she has been elected as an MP ten occasions, losing only once, and gained recognition as one of the organization's most vocal conservative voices.

Additionally, she served in senior government roles, including economic security minister, commercial affairs official, and a record-breaking tenure as communications minister.

Leadership Battles

Two years ago, the politician first contested the internal party contest but lost to her rival. She attempted once more in 2024, now winning the preliminary count but finally being defeated to another contender.

Now, on her most recent campaign, she won the contest - clearing her path to become the country's premier female politician once parliament confirms her nomination.

"My objective is to become the Iron Lady," she stated to a young audience during her political tour.

Policy Positions

The leader is a committed right-winger who has long opposed regulations enabling wives to retain birth surnames, arguing it damages social customs. She is also against same sex marriage.

Yet, she has recently softened her tone. During her campaign she promised to make nanny expenses subject to tax benefits and proposed business incentives for companies that provide workplace daycare.

Individual and domestic situations underpin her government plans: improving healthcare for women's health, giving household support workers enhanced status, and enhancing support services for the country's senior citizens.

"Through my own life nursing and caregiving several instances in my life," she said. "Consequently my commitment has deepened to minimize the count of individuals compelled to abandon their careers due to eldercare, parenting or educational challenges. I aim to establish a nation where citizens don't have to give up their employment."

An associate of the former prime minister, she promised to resurrect his economic policies of substantial government investment and low-interest loans.

She is known as a consistent participant to the contentious site which memorializes fallen soldiers including controversial individuals.

She further proposes easing constitutional restrictions on the defense establishment, which are barred from developing attack capacities.

Political Context

Since its foundation in 1955, the party has controlled national governance, but it is now facing challenges amid concerns regarding a slow growth, demographic decline and social discontent.

She represents the right-wing side of the LDP, and in electing her the party aims to regain traditional supporters who have moved toward the far-right Sanseito party.

Sanseito, campaigning with a patriotic theme, has lately grown from small to significant presence, drawing away right-wing supporters. The LDP has lost its majority in both houses.

Takaichi herself acknowledged the issue in a speech after winning: "Our party has faced significant disapproval from our loyal members, traditionalists, and political colleagues."

"Our party needs reform to serve today and tomorrow. We will always put the national interest first and lead Japan with a balanced perspective."

The legislature will likely ratify her appointment on the specified date.